Power steering fluid leak

[eoptio]

Hi all

well it seems to be the week for leaks...first a coolant leak that looks like it was a faulty radiator cap, now the power steering fluid seems to be leaking. Had a look and as far as I can see at the moment it seems to be coming from where the steering collumn connects to the steering rack. Searching on the forum, is this the pinion seal? If so how easy is it to replace and where dio I get the parts?

Any other solutions recommended?

thanks

K

[missfixit70]

Yup, that's the pinion seal, Bongo shop sells the seal kit or look on fleabay any of the usual suspects, not a massively difficult job, this thread may help - http://www.igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/ ... =3&t=39386

[eoptio]

great thanks for the link, good instructions and pics. I'll have a look for the parts,.

What about putting some 'stop leak' in the meantime?

thanks

K

[missfixit70]

You can get specific power steering stop leak, it slowed my leak down some, but didn't stop it completely, worth giving it a go. Wipe everything clean once you've added it, so you can see if it's still leaking & how much. You'll find the PS fluid has got blown backwards everywhere underneath I expect, helps stop any rust if nothing else

[mikexgough]

Only used Wynns myself but some Trade buddies swear by Lucas Power Steering Stop Leak - http://www.lucasoil.co.uk/products.php? ... product=16 especially for older vehicles with less chance of getting seals
They reckon the Lucas is way to go, now not used it myself so I can't endorse that.... for me 1hr of time, a bungee cord, tippex and a few tools (go for decent internal circlip pliers or borrow some) and you have a new seal in....

[eoptio]

Thanks all

yes it had blown everywhere. Will clean it all up, probably put in stop leak for now, get the parts and have a go when I have the time.

thanks

K

[Diplomat]

Hi all

well it seems to be the week for leaks...first a coolant leak that looks like it was a faulty radiator cap, now the power steering fluid seems to be leaking. . .

What, no diesel pump leak yet?

Hmm.. power steering leak. Not sure if I've had this one yet. It's rather an uninviting day for crawling under the van doing inspections but I suppose I had better check it out.

Kirsty, my van is already auto undersealed with diesel/veg oil from when the pump was leaking profusely.


Frank

[missfixit70]

It's rather an uninviting day for crawling under the van doing inspections but I suppose I had better check it out.



Frank

No need to crawl underneath, just lift the bonnet & you can see the UJ & top of the steering rack, would also be indicated by the fact your steering fluid reservoir (under drivers seat) would be low

[Diplomat]

It's rather an uninviting day for crawling under the van doing inspections but I suppose I had better check it out.



Frank

No need to crawl underneath, just lift the bonnet & you can see the UJ & top of the steering rack, would also be indicated by the fact your steering fluid reservoir (under drivers seat) would be low

Pleased to report:

All in order.

Thanks for saving me the crawl, Kirsty.


Frank

[eoptio]

Hi

I have now added Lucas 'stop power steering leaks' fluid, will let you know if it works...

k

[rita]

Hi

I have now added Lucas 'stop power steering leaks' fluid, will let you know if it works...

k

Hi,you cant really go wrong.

Lucas Power Steering Stop Leak completely stops power steering seal leaks. It is 100% guaranteed or your money back.
you may need a second bottle.

acaheers..

[eoptio]

Hi all

well the Lucas stop leak did not stop the leak so decided to replace the seal. Got the full seal kit. All went ok up to the point where the old seal had to come out. Started with the drilling method but after a few attempts did not feel comfortable carrying on with it, not enough working space. About to put it all back together then decided to start the engine to see if that would pop the seal out. The seal came out almost immediately. Replaced it with the new one, getting that in place was a bit fiddly as well but all looks ok now, fingers crossed it's fixed.

K

[mikexgough]

Hi all

well the Lucas stop leak did not stop the leak so decided to replace the seal. Got the full seal kit. All went ok up to the point where the old seal had to come out. Started with the drilling method but after a few attempts did not feel comfortable carrying on with it, not enough working space. About to put it all back together then decided to start the engine to see if that would pop the seal out. The seal came out almost immediately. Replaced it with the new one, getting that in place was a bit fiddly as well but all looks ok now, fingers crossed it's fixed.

K

Lucas would have probably worked if you got the leak early enough but from what I have seen and my experience, the Top Pinion Oil seal is the "weakest" link on the Bongo power steering and when it begins to weep your very lucky if any of the stop leak cures work......I just wish you could get the seal on it's own....although I have someone working on that for me.....
I do them on ramps so I can access from the top and bottom and when I refit the circlip I do so from underneath with 90 degree pliers even though I remove the circlip with straight ones from above....I find personally that I get tp "feel" the clip into the groove better that way ...another quick tip is to check that the circlip is fitted into the groove with a large straight blade screwdriver, it generaly eases the clip further into the groove should you have only just got it located......and finally....smear of copper grease on the splines and bolts on refit... you know that makes sense.......

[eoptio]

Yes put some copper grease on the bolts & splines. Good tip ref using a large blade screwdriver to check the circlip is in ok. I wondered ref doing that but did not want to damage the seal. It looked to be in place ok, might have another look at some point

K